Native American Dwellings
Native Americans lived in many different types of dwellings. The following story shows what life living in various different types of homes looked like.
Wickiup model
This model shows the basic structure of a wickiup. These homes were made from various types of wood and bark, making them easy to construct. The dome-shaped structures were generally found in the South to Midwestern American continent and were used by nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes.
Painting:Indian Village, San Diego Exposition, 1916 Painting:Indian Village, San Diego Exposition, 1916 (1916)The Strong National Museum of Play
Wickiup construction
To create Wickiups, Native Americans would bend young trees into an U-shape, then attached the bent trees together and cover it with bark or animal skins. Because of the materials with which it was built, Native Americans could construct these homes without needing to carry building supplies with them as they traveled.
Tipi model
Tipis were used as homes across the Midwest and Canada. Distinguishable by the two smoke flaps at the top, they were typically made from dried animal hide stitched together and stretched across wooden poles. They could be taken down and moved quickly, making them ideal for nomads.
[Arapaho or Kiowa Village] (1867–1875) by William Stinson SouleThe J. Paul Getty Museum
Tipi
The flaps on a tipi could be closed and adjusted as needed but were generally open to let smoke from a campfire out of the home. Rainfall entered the center hole, but would run down the poles, falling to the sides of the shelter while leaving the middle dry.
Native American Cliff Dwelling Model (2005) by Ben WoodruffHutchings Museum Institute
Cliff Dwelling model
The term "cliff dwelling" refers to any form of housing that is constructed in the rocks of high cliffs. These types of homes were structured not only for the security of their livestock and crops, but also as a means of protection from foreign invaders.
By Eliot ElisofonLIFE Photo Collection
Cliff Dwelling
Because these homes were built with bricks of mud and straw, they stayed cool during the summer, providing storage for crops and a more permanent living space. Some researchers suggest that living in the canyons provided more farming space on top of the mesa.
Native American Pit House Model (2005) by Ben WoodruffHutchings Museum Institute
Pit House model
Pit houses were a subterranean dwelling, with half of the structure being underground with logs and mud built as the roof. Because the earth has natural insulating properties, building underground meant that it would stay cool during the summer and warm during the winter seasons.
[Pawnee Mud Village] (1869) by William Henry JacksonThe J. Paul Getty Museum
Pit House
Pit houses vary greatly across America, even within similar regions. They may have different structural shapes, sizes, and styles, some with ramps, firepits, granaries, storage pits, and/or steps. Their main feature across all varieties is that they provided shelter from the heat and were a snug gathering place during cooler months.
Each of these Native American dwellings gives us insight into how these indigenous people lived, what challenges they faced, and what resources they used to adapt to their environment. Studying these dwellings reminds us that the Native Americans were experts in their lands and offers a glimpse into their lifestyles and culture.
The models featured in this exhibit come from the Hutchings Native American Collection. Created by Hutchings Museum Staff Curators.
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